Trigger housing

Abstract

A firearm includes a frame and a trigger housing that may be inserted within a frame cavity defined by the frame. The trigger housing includes a first side rail and a second side rail connected at the bottom edges by a front housing brace. Each of the side rails includes a pair of wings that extend from a front edge of the side rails. Each side rail also includes a rear tab that extends from a rear surface of each of the side rails. When the trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity, the wings of the side rails are positioned in wing gaps defined in the frame of the firearm, and the rear tabs are positioned rear tab recesses defined in the frame of the firearm.

Description

[0001] TRIGGER HOUSING

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains generally to firearms and, in particular aspects, to a trigger housing for a firearm.

[0004] To hold the trigger housing within the frame of a firearm, trigger manufacturers have designed and implemented various mechanisms. There remains, however, a desire for new and improved safety mechanisms.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A firearm may include a first frame sidewall including a first sidewall projection defining a first wing gap, and a second frame sidewall opposing the first frame sidewall. The second frame sidewall may include a second sidewall projection defining a second wing gap. The firearm may also include a rear frame wall extending between the first frame sidewall and the second frame sidewall. The rear frame wall may define a first rear tab recess and a second rear tab recess. A frame cavity may be defined between the first frame sidewall and the second frame sidewall of the frame.

[0007] A trigger housing may compare a first side rail including a first rail forward edge and a first rail rear edge as well as a second side rail including a second rail forward edge and a second rail rear edge. A front housing brace may be connected between the first side rail and the second side rail. In some embodiments, a majority of a length of the second side rail extends substantially parallel with respect to a length of the first side rail. In some embodiments, a frame mounting slot is defined through the front housing brace. A rear housing brace may be connected between the first side rail and the second side rail.

[0008] A first rail upper front wing may extend substantially perpendicular from the first side rail at the first rail forward edge, and a first rail lower front wing may extend substantially perpendicular from the first side rail at the first rail forward edge. In some embodiments, the first rail upper front wing may extend from the first side rail in a direction away from the second side rail, and the first rail lower front wing may extend from the first side rail in a direction away from the second side rail.

[0009] A second rail upper front wing may extend substantially perpendicularly from the second side rail at the second rail forward edge, and a second rail lower front wing may extend substantially perpendicularly from the second side rail at the second rail forward edge. In some embodiments, the second rail upper front wing may extend from the second side rail in a direction away from the first side rail, and the second rail lower front wing may extend from the second side rail in a direction away from the first side rail.

[0010] A first rail rear wing may extend substantially perpendicularly from the first side rail at the first rail rear edge, and a second rail rear wing may extend substantially perpendicularly from the second side rail at the second rail rear edge. A first rail rear tab may be positioned at the first rail rear edge and extend rearward with respect to the first rail rear wing. A second rail rear tab positioned at the second rail rear edge may extend rearward with respect to the second rail rear wing.

[0011] In certain aspects, the trigger housing may also include a first safety disassembly activator opening defined through the first rail. The first safety disassembly lever may be configured to allow a safety disassembly system to be attached to the trigger housing. The trigger housing may also include a second safety disassembly activator opening defined through the second rail. The second safety disassembly activator may be configured to allow the safety disassembly system to be attached to the trigger housing. In some embodiments, the first safety disassembly activator opening may be aligned with the second safety disassembly activator opening. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first safety disassembly activator opening may be defined through the first rail at a position directly below at least a portion of the first rail upper front wing. Additionally, at least a portion of the second safety disassembly activator opening may be defined through the second rail at a position directly below at least a portion of the second rail upper front wing.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first manual safety opening may be defined through the first rail configured to allow a manual safety system to be attached to the trigger housing. A second manual safety opening may be defined through the second rail configured to allow the manual safety system to be attached to the trigger housing. The first manual safety opening may be aligned with the second manual safety opening. In some embodiments, the first manual safety opening may be positioned directly below the first rail rear wing, and the second manual safety opening may be positioned directly below second first rail rear wing.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity, the first rail lower front wing may be positioned in the first wing gap and the second rail lower front wing may be positioned in the second wing gap. Additionally, the first rear tab may be positioned in the first rear tab recess and the second rear tab may be positioned in the second rear tab recess.

[0014] In some embodiments, length of the first wing gap may be greater than the width of the first wing gap. Likewise, the length of the second wing gap may be greater than the width of the second wing gap.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first rail upper front wing may rest on a top edge of the first frame sidewall when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity, and the second rail upper front wing may rest on a top edge of the second frame sidewall when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the frame may include a forward frame ledge. The front housing brace of the frame may be connected between the first side rail and the second side rail, and the front housing brace may be supported by the forward frame ledge when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity. The frame may also include an attachment peg extending from the forward frame ledge and a frame mounting slot may be defined through the front housing brace. The attachment peg may extend through the frame mounting slot when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity. The frame may also include a rear frame ledge and the rear housing brace may be supported by the rear frame ledge when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the rear frame wall is in contact with and supported by the first rear tab and by the second rear tab when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first slide stop lever pin opening may be defined through the first side rail, and a second slide stop lever pin opening may be defined through the second side rail. The second slide stop lever pin opening may be aligned with the first slide stop lever pin opening. The firearm may also include a slide stop lever pin including a lever pin body, a first lever pin shoulder extending from one side of the lever pin body and a second lever pin shoulder extending from an opposite side of the lever pin body. The first lever pin shoulder is may be in contact with the first frame sidewall when the slide stop lever pin is inserted through the first and second slide stop lever pin openings and when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity. Additionally, the second lever pin shoulder is in contact with the second frame sidewall when the slide stop lever pin is inserted through the first and second slide stop lever pin openings and when the trigger housing is positioned within the frame cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lever pin body is in contact with the first side rail and with the second side rail when the slide stop lever pin is inserted through the first and second slide stop lever pin openings of the trigger housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the firearm of FIG. 1 with the frame and the slide removed.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a trigger housing of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of a frame of the firearm of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the trigger housing of FIG. 4 assembled within the frame of FIG. 5.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional right side view of the trigger housing of FIG. 4 assembled within the frame of FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional left side view of the trigger housing of FIG. 4 assembled within the frame of FIG. 5.

[0028] FIG. 9 cross-sectional front view of the trigger housing of FIG. 4 with a slide stop lever pin supported by the trigger housing.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a front view of the slide stop lever pin of FIG. 9.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional rear perspective view of the slide stop lever pin of FIG. 9 assembled with the trigger housing of FIG. 4 and the frame of FIG. 5.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0033] Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting. For the purposes of this description, the term “forward” refers to the direction moving toward the front end of the barrel, where a bullet exits upon being fired. The term “rearward” refers to a direction moving toward the grip end of the firearm.

[0034] A side view of a firearm 20 is shown in FIG. 1. Firearm 20 includes a frame 30 that defines a magazine well 35 for receiving a magazine 40. A slide 50 is positioned atop the frame 30 so that the slide 50 may move along the length of the frame 30. A barrel 60 is supported within the slide 50. The firearm 20 also includes a trigger assembly 110 that is housed within the frame 30. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly 110 may include a trigger 113 and a trigger safety 114 that is protected by a trigger guard 116.

[0035] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a right side view and a left side view, respectively, of the firearm 20 with the frame 30 and the slide 50 hidden to more clearly show the inner components of the firearm 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the trigger assembly 110 includes a trigger bar 120 that extends rearwardly from the trigger 113 and interacts with a sear assembly 130. The sear assembly 130 interacts with the firing pin 160 to allow release of the firing pin when the trigger 113 is pulled so that the firing pin may contact a loaded cartridge to fire the firearm 20.

[0036] A safety disassembly system 175 includes a safety disassembly lever 185 that is also capable of interaction with the sear assembly 130. The safety disassembly system 175 prevents accidental firing of the firearm 20 during disassembly of the firearm 20. In some embodiments, the safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent disassembly of the firearm 20 when a magazine 40 is inserted into the magazine well. The safety disassembly lever 185 may also prevent insertion of a magazine 40 into the magazine well 35 when the safety disassembly system 175 is in a position to allow disassembly of the firearm 20.

[0037] A trigger housing 200 may be fit within the frame 30 and may provide support for the trigger assembly 110 and may also provide additional support for the frame 30. In addition to supporting the trigger assembly, the trigger housing 200 may also support the safety disassembly system 175. In some embodiments, the trigger housing 200 may define opposed openings through which a portion of the safety disassembly system 175 may be inserted. The trigger housing 200 may also provide support for a slide stop assembly 240. The slide stop assembly 240 may include a slide stop lever and a slide stop pin. The slide stop assembly 240 allows the slide 50 to be held in a rearward position.

[0038] A recoil spring assembly 260 is positioned below the barrel 60. The recoil spring assembly 260 assists to return the slide 50 to a forward position after the firearm 20 is fired.

[0039] A magazine catch assembly 310 is found within the frame 30 and adjacent to the magazine well 35 and the magazine 40 when the magazine 40 is loaded into the magazine well. The magazine catch assembly 310 holds the magazine 40 within the magazine well 35, and operation of the magazine catch assembly allows the magazine 40 to be released from the magazine well 35. In some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 is designed to be ambidextrous so it may be operated by a right-handed or a left-handed user from either side of the firearm 20. Further, in some embodiments, the magazine catch assembly 310 may operate to prevent release of the magazine 40 from the magazine well 35 when the trigger 113 is pulled.

[0040] The firearm 20 also includes a manual safety assembly 340 which is positioned near the rearward end of the firearm 20. The manual safety assembly 340 may be in contact with and secured to a portion of the trigger housing 200. The manual safety assembly 340 may be rotatable with respect to the trigger housing 200, so that when the manual safety assembly 340 is rotated into an engaged orientation, the manual safety assembly 340 prevents rotation of the sear assembly 130. This prevents the firearm 20 from firing because the sear assembly 130 is unable to rotate to release the firing pin 160.

[0041] A backstrap assembly 360 is attachable to a rearward face of the frame 30. The backstrap assembly 360 provides a grip for a user firing the firearm 20. The backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to ergonomically fit within the hand of a user to increase comfort and make the firearm 20 more secure and easier to handle. In some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may be designed to be attached and detached from the frame 30 without the need for an additional tool. Additionally, in some embodiments, the backstrap assembly 360 may include a lanyard assembly 390 that allows a lanyard to be attached the firearm 20.

[0042] An optical sight assembly 410 may be positioned on the top of the slide 50 of firearm 20. The slide 50 may include multiple mounting locations for the optical sight assembly 410 so that different varieties of optical sight assemblies 410 may be attached to the slide 50 as desired without the need for different mounting plates to be installed on the slide 50.

[0043] A perspective view of the trigger housing 200 is shown in FIG. 4. The trigger housing has a housing front edge 201 and a housing rear edge 202. The trigger housing 200 includes a pair of opposed rails 210, 220. A majority of the length of the rail 210 extends generally parallel to a length of the rail 220. The rails 210 are connected by a front housing brace 204 and a rear housing brace 206 that extend between and connect to a portion of the respective bottom edges of the rails 210, 220. The front housing brace 204 defines a frame mounting slot 203 that provides an opening for an attachment peg to be inserted through to assist to secure the trigger housing 200 to the frame 30.

[0044] The rails 210, 220 define several aligned openings that allow for various components of firearm 20 to be inserted through and / or supported by the trigger housing 200. A safety disassembly activator opening 211 is defined through rail 210 and a corresponding safety disassembly activator opening 221 is defined through rail 220 to align with the safety disassembly activator opening 211. The safety disassembly activator openings 211, 221 are configured to receive a disassembly activator bar of the safety disassembly system 175.

[0045] A trigger pin opening 212 is defined through rail 210 and a corresponding trigger pin opening 222 is defined through rail 220 to align with the trigger pin opening 212. In the embodiment shown, the trigger pin opening 212 is positioned rearward of the safety disassembly activator opening 211 on rail 210 and the trigger pin opening 222 is positioned rearward of the safety disassembly activator opening 221 on rail 220. The trigger pin openings 212, 222 are sized and positioned to receive a trigger pin that provides a pivot point for the trigger 113 of the trigger assembly 110 and helps to secure the trigger assembly 110 to the trigger housing 200. A slide stop lever pin opening 213 is defined through rail 210 and a corresponding slide stop lever pin opening 223 is defined through rail 220 to align with the slide stop lever pin opening 213. In the embodiment shown, the slide stop lever pin opening 213 is positioned rearward of the trigger pin opening 212 on rail 210 and the slide stop lever pin opening 223 is positioned rearward of the trigger pin opening 222 on rail 220. The slide stop pin of the slide stop assembly 240 may be inserted through the slide stop lever pin openings 213, 223 so that the trigger housing 200 supports the slide stop assembly 240.

[0046] A safety disassembly lever slot 214 is defined through rail 210 and a corresponding safety disassembly lever slot 224 is defined through rail 220 to align with the safety disassembly lever slot 214. The safety disassembly lever slots 214, 224 are configured to receive a sear flange that extends from a rearward end of a safety disassembly lever of the safety disassembly system 175. In some embodiments, the safety disassembly lever may extend adjacent to rail 220 and the sear flange of the safety disassembly lever extends from the safety disassembly lever into the safety disassembly lever slot 224 and then into the safety disassembly lever slot 214. The safety disassembly lever slots 214, 224 support the safety disassembly system 175 and allow the safety disassembly lever of the safety disassembly system 175 to translate with respect to the trigger housing 200.

[0047] A sear assembly pin opening 215 is defined through rail 210 and a corresponding sear assembly pin opening 225 is defined through rail 220 to align with the sear assembly pin opening 215. In the embodiment shown, the sear assembly pin opening 215 is positioned rearward of safety disassembly lever slot 214 on rail 210 and the sear assembly pin opening 225 is positioned rearward of the safety disassembly lever slot 214 on rail 220. The sear assembly pin openings 215, 225 are configured to receive a sear assembly pin of the sear assembly 130, so that the trigger housing 200 supports the sear assembly 130. When the sear assembly pin is fit through the sear assembly pin openings, the sear assembly pin may act as an axis of rotation for the components of the sear assembly 130.

[0048] A manual safety opening 216 is defined through rail 210 and a corresponding manual safety opening 226 is defined through rail 220 to align with the manual safety opening 216. In the embodiment shown, the manual safety opening 216 is positioned rearward of sear assembly pin opening 215 on rail 210 and the manual safety opening 226 is positioned rearward of the sear assembly pin opening 225 on rail 220. In the embodiment shown, each of the manual safety openings 216, 226 extend through the bottom edge of the respective rail 210, 220 of the trigger housing 200. The width of each of the manual safety openings 216, 226 is smaller at the bottom edge of the rail 210, 220 and the width of the manual safety openings 216, 226 increases moving away from the bottom edge of the rail 210, 220. The manual safety assembly 340 is configured to fit within and be rotatable within the manual safety openings 216, 226.

[0049] Rail 210 includes an upper front wing 217 and a lower front wing 218 at the front edge 201 of trigger housing 200. The upper front wing 217 and the lower front wing 218 each extend outward from rail 210. In the embodiment shown, the upper front wing 217 and the lower front wing 218 extend substantially perpendicular with respect to the rail 210. Additionally, in the embodiment shown, upper front wing 217 has a length that is greater than the length of lower front wing 218. In other embodiments, upper front wing 217 and lower front wing 218 may have equal lengths or upper front wing 217 may have a length that is less than the length of lower front wing 218.

[0050] Likewise, rail 220 includes an upper front wing 227 and a lower front wing 218 at the front edge 201 of the trigger housing 200. The upper front wing 227 and the lower front wing 218 each extend outward from rail 220 in the opposite direction of upper front wing 217 and lower front wing 218. In the embodiment shown, the upper front wing 227 and the lower front wing 228 each extend substantially perpendicular with respect to the rail 220. Additionally, in the embodiment shown, upper front wing 227 has a length that is greater than the length of lower front wing 228. In other embodiments, upper front wing 227 and lower front wing 228 may have equal lengths or upper front wing 227 may have a length that is less than the length of lower front wing 228.

[0051] An upper rear wing 219 extends outward from rail 210, in the direction away from rail 220, near the rear edge 202 of the trigger housing 200. The upper rear wing 219 is positioned above the manual safety opening 216 defined through rail 210. In the embodiment shown, the upper rear wing 219 extends substantially perpendicular with respect to the rail 210. Likewise, an upper rear wing 229 extends outward from rail 220, in the direction away from rail 210, near the rear edge 202 of the trigger housing 200. The upper rear wing 229 is positioned above the manual safety opening 226 defined through rail 220. In the embodiment shown, the upper rear wing 229 extends substantially perpendicular with respect to the rail 220. Each rail 210, 220 also includes a respective rear tab 231, 232 at the rear edge 202 of the trigger housing 200. The rear tab 231 is positioned below the upper rear wing 219 on rail 210 and extends rearward of the upper rear wing 219 and the manual safety opening 216 defined through rail 210. The rear tab 232 is positioned below the upper rear wing 229 on rail 220 and extends rearward of the upper rear wing 229 and the manual safety opening 226 defined through rail 220.

[0052] A cartridge ejector 234 extends from a top edge of the rail 220 at a position above the safety disassembly lever slot 214. The cartridge ejector 234 extends inward, toward rail 210. A trigger safety bar 236 extends from a bottom surface of the rail 220, inward toward rail 210. The trigger safety bar 236 is positioned near the slide stop lever pin opening 223, and is rearward of the trigger pin opening 222.

[0053] The frame 30 of the firearm 20 is shown in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 5. This cross- sectional view removes the portion of the frame that supports the barrel so that it is easier to see the portion of the frame 30 that supports the trigger housing 200. The frame 30 includes opposing sidewalls 540, 560 and a frame cavity 535 defined between the opposing sidewalls 540, 560. A rear frame wall 550 is positioned at the rear end of the frame 30 and extends between the sidewalls 540, 560. The frame 30 also defines the magazine well 35, which is in communication with the frame cavity 535.

[0054] A disassembly lever recess 541 is defined through the sidewall 540 and aligns with the safety disassembly activator opening 211 defined through rail 210 of the trigger housing 200. A corresponding disassembly lever recess 561 is defined through the sidewall 560 and aligns with the disassembly activator opening 221 defined through rail 220 of the trigger housing 200. A sidewall projection 542, 562 extends inward from each of the frame sidewalls 540 at the portion of the frame 30 above the trigger guard 116. A forward frame ledge 570 extends forward from the position of the magazine well 65 and forms a portion of a bottom surface of the frame cavity 535.

[0055] The sidewall projections 542, 562 and the forward frame ledge 570 include features that are used to assist with securing the trigger housing 200 within the frame cavity 535. For example, a housing wing gap 543, 563 is defined between each sidewall projection 542, 562 and the forward frame ledge 570. In the embodiment shown, the length of the housing wing gaps 543, 563 is greater than the width of the housing wing gaps 543, 563. Additionally, an attachment peg 572 extends from the forward frame ledge 570 into the frame cavity 535 and may be used to help secure the trigger housing 200 within the frame cavity 535.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 30 of the firearm 20 that shows the front edge 201 of the trigger housing 200 when the trigger housing 200 is secured within the frame 30. As shown, the trigger housing 200 fits within the frame cavity 535 so that rail 210 of the trigger housing 200 is adjacent to sidewall 540 of the frame 30 and so that rail 220 of the trigger housing 200 is adjacent to sidewall 560 of the frame 30. In the embodiment shown, some portions of the length of the rail 210 directly contact sidewall 540 while some portions of the length of rail 210 do not directly contact sidewall 540. Likewise, in the embodiment shown, some portions of the length of the rail 220 directly contact sidewall 560 while some portions of the length of rail 220 do not directly contact sidewall 560.

[0057] Trigger housing 200 is fit into frame cavity 535 so that the lower front wing 218 of rail 210 is positioned within the housing wing gap 543 defined beneath sidewall projection 542 of sidewall 540. The upper front wing 217 of rail 210 is positioned above a top edge of the sidewall 540. The lower front wing 228 of rail 220 is position within the housing wing gap 563 defined beneath the sidewall projection 562 of sidewall 560. The upper front wing 227 of rail 220 is positioned to rest on a top edge of the sidewall 560. The front housing brace 204 of the trigger housing 200 is supported by the frame ledge 570 defined by the frame 30. The front housing brace 204 is aligned on the frame ledge 570 so that the attachment peg 572 extending from frame ledge 570 may be inserted through the frame mounting slot 203 defined through the front housing brace 204. The upper rear wing 219 of rail 210 is positioned above the top edge of the sidewall 540, and the upper rear wing 229 of rail 220 is positioned above the top edge of the sidewall 560.

[0058] A right-side perspective, cross-sectional view of the rear portion of the trigger housing 200 within the frame cavity 535 of the frame 30 is illustrated in FIG. 7. As shown, the rear housing brace 206 rests on and is supported by a rear frame ledge 573. The rear frame ledge 573 is adjacent to magazine well 35 defined by the frame 30. The rear tab 231 of rail 210 is fit within a rear tab recess 547 defined in the rear frame wall 550 positioned near where the rear frame wall 550 connects to the sidewall 540. A left-side perspective, cross-sectional view of the rear portion of the trigger housing 200 within the frame cavity 535 is shown in FIG. 8. As illustrated, the rear frame wall 550 defines an additional rear tab recess 567 that is configured to receive the rear tab 232 of rail 220. The extension of the rear tabs 231, 232 of the trigger housing 200 into the rear tab recesses 547, 567 allow for the trigger housing 200 to act as support for the rear of the frame 30 and allowing for a high frame grip.

[0059] The trigger housing 200 is vertically held within the frame 30 by the lower front wings 218, 228 and by the at the forward end of the trigger housing 200, and is vertically held within the frame 30 by the rear tabs 231, 232 at the rear end of the trigger housing 200. The trigger housing 200 is held within the frame 30 in the horizontal direction at least by the safety disassembly system 175. The safety disassembly activator 178 of the safety disassembly system 175 is inserted through the disassembly lever recesses 541, 561 of the sidewalls 540, 560 of frame 30 and also inserted through the safety disassembly activator openings 211, 221 defined through the rails 210, 220 of the trigger housing, which are aligned with the disassembly lever recesses 541, 561. The safety disassembly activator 178 assists to prevent the trigger housing 200 from sliding forward or rearward within the frame cavity 535 of the frame 30. The attachment peg 572 may also assist to prevent the trigger housing 200 from moving rearward with respect to the frame 30.

[0060] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a slide stop lever pin 241 of the slide stop assembly 240 that may be supported by the trigger housing 200. The slide stop lever pin 241 may be used to distribute mechanical stress from the barrel 60 to the frame 30, reducing the load placed on the trigger housing 200. As shown in FIG. 9, the slide stop lever pin 241 extends through the slide stop lever pin opening 213 defined through rail 210 and extends through the slide stop lever pin opening 223 defined through rail 220.

[0061] The slide stop lever pin 241 is shown in more detail in FIG. 10. The slide stop lever pin 241 includes a lever pin body 242. A pair of lever pin shoulders 243, 244 extend from the lever pin body 242. A lever pin shoulder surface 245 is defined below the lever pin shoulder 243 and a lever pin shoulder surface 246 is defined below the lever pin shoulder 244.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows a partial rear perspective cross-sectional view of the trigger housing 200 installed within the frame 30 and the slide stop lever pin 241 inserted through the trigger housing 200. Other features of the firearm 20 have been removed in this view for ease of reference. As shown, the lever pin body 242 is inserted through the lever pin openings 213, 223 so that the lever pin body 242 is supported on one side by rail 210 of the trigger housing 200 and the other side by rail 220 of the trigger housing 200. However, the lever pin shoulders 243, 244 extend beyond the trigger housing 200 so that the lever pin shoulders 243, 244 are supported by sidewalls 540, 560 of the frame 30. The lever pin shoulder surface 245 is in contact with and supported by the sidewall 560 of frame 30 and the lever pin shoulder surface 246 is in contact with and supported by the sidewall 540 of frame 30.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 11, the slide stop lever pin 241 is in contact with both the trigger housing 200 and with the frame 30. This allows downward force applied by the barrel 60 of the firearm on the slide stop lever pin 241 to be distributed to the frame 30, reducing the amount of force applied on the trigger housing 200.

[0064] The following numbered clauses set out specific embodiments that may be useful in understanding the present invention:

[0065] 1. A trigger housing comprising: a first side rail including a first rail forward edge and a first rail rear edge; a second side rail including a second rail forward edge and a second rail rear edge; a first rail upper front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail at said first rail forward edge and a first rail lower front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail at said first rail forward edge; a second rail upper front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail at said second rail forward edge and a second rail lower front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail at said second rail forward edge; a first rail rear wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail at said first rail rear edge; a second rail rear wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail at said second rail rear edge; a first rail rear tab positioned at said first rail rear edge and extending rearward with respect to said first rail rear wing; and a second rail rear tab positioned at said second rail rear edge and extending rearward with respect to said second rail rear wing.

[0066] 2. The trigger housing of clause 1, further comprising: a rear housing brace, wherein said rear housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail. 3. The trigger housing of any preceding clause, wherein said first rail upper front wing extends from said first side rail in a direction away from said second side rail, and wherein said first rail lower front wing extends from said first side rail in a direction away from said second side rail.

[0067] 4. The trigger housing of any preceding clause, wherein said second rail upper front wing extends from said second side rail in a direction away from said first side rail, and wherein said second rail lower front wing extends from said second side rail in a direction away from said first side rail.

[0068] 5. The trigger housing of any preceding clause, wherein a frame mounting slot is defined through said front housing brace.

[0069] 6. The trigger housing of any preceding clause, further comprising: a first safety disassembly activator opening defined through said first rail configured to allow a safety disassembly system to be attached to the trigger housing; a second safety disassembly activator opening defined through said second rail configured to allow the safety disassembly system to be attached to the trigger housing; and wherein said first safety disassembly activator opening is aligned with said second safety disassembly activator opening.

[0070] 7. The trigger housing of clause 6, wherein at least a portion of said first safety disassembly activator opening is defined through said first rail at a position directly below at least a portion of said first rail upper front wing; and wherein at least a portion of said second safety disassembly activator opening is defined through said second rail at a position directly below at least a portion of said second rail upper front wing.

[0071] 8. The trigger housing of any preceding clause, further comprising: a first manual safety opening defined through said first rail configured to allow a manual safety system to be attached to the trigger housing; a second manual safety opening defined through said second rail configured to allow the manual safety system to be attached to the trigger housing; and wherein said first manual safety opening is aligned with said second manual safety opening. 9. The trigger housing of clause 8, wherein said first manual safety opening is positioned directly below said first rail rear wing; and wherein said second manual safety opening is positioned directly below second first rail rear wing.

[0072] 10. The trigger housing of any preceding clause, wherein a majority of a length of said second side rail extends substantially parallel with respect to a length of said first side rail.

[0073] 11. The trigger housing of any preceding clause, further comprising: a front housing brace, wherein said front housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail.

[0074] 12. A firearm comprising: a frame comprising: a first frame sidewall including a first sidewall projection defining a first wing gap; a second frame sidewall opposing said first frame sidewall, wherein said second frame sidewall includes a second sidewall projection defining a second wing gap; a rear frame wall extending between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall, wherein said rear frame wall defines a first rear tab recess and a second rear tab recess; and a frame cavity defined between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall of said frame; a trigger housing removably insertable within said frame cavity, wherein said trigger housing comprises: a first side rail including a first rail lower front wing that extends from said first side rail and a first rear tab that extends from a first rail rear edge of said first side rail; and a second side rail including a second rail lower front wing that extends from said second side rail and a second rear tab that extends from a second rail rear edge of said second side rail; and wherein when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity, said first rail lower front wing is positioned in said first wing gap and said second rail lower front wing is positioned in said second wing gap, and wherein said first rear tab is positioned in said first rear tab recess and said second rear tab is positioned in said second rear tab recess.

[0075] 13. The firearm of clause 12, wherein said first rail lower front wing extends from said first rail in a direction away from said second rail and wherein said second rail lower front wing extends from said second rail in a direction away from said first rail.

[0076] 14. The firearm of clause 13, wherein said first rail lower front wing extends substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail and wherein said second rail lower front wing extends substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail.

[0077] 15. The firearm of any one of clauses 12-14, wherein said first wing gap has a length and a width and wherein the length of said first wing gap is greater than the width of the first wing gap.

[0078] 16. The firearm of any one of clauses 12-15, wherein said second wing gap has a length and a width and wherein the length of said second wing gap is greater than the width of the second wing gap.

[0079] 17. The firearm of any one of clauses 12-16, wherein said first side rail includes a first rail upper front wing, and wherein said first rail upper front wing rests on a top edge of said first frame sidewall when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity; and wherein said second side rail includes a second rail upper front wing, and wherein said second rail upper front wing rests on a top edge of said second frame sidewall when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

[0080] 18. The firearm of any one of clauses 12-17, wherein said frame includes a forward frame ledge; wherein said trigger housing includes a front housing brace, wherein said front housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail; and wherein said front housing brace is supported by said forward frame ledge when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

[0081] 19. The firearm of clause 18, wherein said frame includes an attachment peg extending from said forward frame ledge; wherein a frame mounting slot is defined through said front housing brace; and wherein said attachment peg extends through said frame mounting slot when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity. 20. The firearm of clause 18, wherein said frame includes a rear frame ledge; wherein said trigger housing includes a rear housing brace, wherein said rear housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail; and wherein said rear housing brace is supported by said rear frame ledge when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

[0082] 21. The firearm of any one of clauses 12-20, wherein at least a portion of said rear frame wall is in contact with and supported by said first rear tab and by said second rear tab when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

[0083] 22. A firearm comprising: a frame comprising: a first frame sidewall; a second frame sidewall opposing said first frame sidewall; a rear frame wall extending between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall; and a frame cavity defined between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall said frame; a trigger housing removably insertable within said frame cavity, wherein said trigger housing comprises: a first side rail, wherein a first slide stop lever pin opening is defined through said first side rail; a second side rail opposing said first side rail, wherein a second slide stop lever pin opening is defined through said second side rail, and wherein said second slide stop lever pin opening is aligned with said first slide stop lever pin opening; a slide stop lever pin including a lever pin body, a first lever pin shoulder extending from one side of said lever pin body and a second lever pin shoulder extending from an opposite side of said lever pin body; wherein said first lever pin shoulder is in contact with said first frame sidewall when said slide stop lever pin is inserted through said first and second slide stop lever pin openings and when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity; and wherein said second lever pin shoulder is in contact with said second frame sidewall when said slide stop lever pin is inserted through said first and second slide stop lever pin openings and when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

[0084] 23. The firearm of clause 22, wherein said lever pin body is in contact with said first side rail and with said second side rail when said slide stop lever pin is inserted through said first and second slide stop lever pin openings of said trigger housing.

[0085] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A trigger housing comprising: a first side rail including a first rail forward edge and a first rail rear edge; a second side rail including a second rail forward edge and a second rail rear edge; a first rail upper front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail at said first rail forward edge and a first rail lower front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail at said first rail forward edge; a second rail upper front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail at said second rail forward edge and a second rail lower front wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail at said second rail forward edge; a first rail rear wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail at said first rail rear edge; a second rail rear wing extending substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail at said second rail rear edge; a first rail rear tab positioned at said first rail rear edge and extending rearward with respect to said first rail rear wing; and a second rail rear tab positioned at said second rail rear edge and extending rearward with respect to said second rail rear wing.

2. The trigger housing of claim 1 , further comprising: a rear housing brace, wherein said rear housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail.

3. The trigger housing of claim 1, wherein said first rail upper front wing extends from said first side rail in a direction away from said second side rail, and wherein said first rail lower front wing extends from said first side rail in a direction away from said second side rail.

4. The trigger housing of claim 1 , wherein said second rail upper front wing extends from said second side rail in a direction away from said first side rail, and wherein said second rail lower front wing extends from said second side rail in a direction away from said first side rail.

5. The trigger housing of claim 1, wherein a frame mounting slot is defined through said front housing brace.

6. The trigger housing of claim 1 , further comprising: a first safety disassembly activator opening defined through said first rail configured to allow a safety disassembly system to be attached to the trigger housing; a second safety disassembly activator opening defined through said second rail configured to allow the safety disassembly system to be attached to the trigger housing; and wherein said first safety disassembly activator opening is aligned with said second safety disassembly activator opening.

7. The trigger housing of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of said first safety disassembly activator opening is defined through said first rail at a position directly below at least a portion of said first rail upper front wing; and wherein at least a portion of said second safety disassembly activator opening is defined through said second rail at a position directly below at least a portion of said second rail upper front wing.

8. The trigger housing of claim 1 , further comprising: a first manual safety opening defined through said first rail configured to allow a manual safety system to be attached to the trigger housing; a second manual safety opening defined through said second rail configured to allow the manual safety system to be attached to the trigger housing; and wherein said first manual safety opening is aligned with said second manual safety opening.

9. The trigger housing of claim 8, wherein said first manual safety opening is positioned directly below said first rail rear wing; andwherein said second manual safety opening is positioned directly below second first rail rear wing.

10. The trigger housing of claim 1, wherein a majority of a length of said second side rail extends substantially parallel with respect to a length of said first side rail.

11. The trigger housing of claim 1 , further comprising: a front housing brace, wherein said front housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail.

12. A firearm comprising: a frame comprising: a first frame sidewall including a first sidewall projection defining a first wing gap; a second frame sidewall opposing said first frame sidewall, wherein said second frame sidewall includes a second sidewall projection defining a second wing gap; a rear frame wall extending between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall, wherein said rear frame wall defines a first rear tab recess and a second rear tab recess; and a frame cavity defined between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall of said frame; a trigger housing removably insertable within said frame cavity, wherein said trigger housing comprises: a first side rail including a first rail lower front wing that extends from said first side rail and a first rear tab that extends from a first rail rear edge of said first side rail; and a second side rail including a second rail lower front wing that extends from said second side rail and a second rear tab that extends from a second rail rear edge of said second side rail; and wherein when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity, said first rail lower front wing is positioned in said first wing gap and said second rail lower front wing ispositioned in said second wing gap, and wherein said first rear tab is positioned in said first rear tab recess and said second rear tab is positioned in said second rear tab recess.

13. The firearm of claim 12, wherein said first rail lower front wing extends from said first rail in a direction away from said second rail and wherein said second rail lower front wing extends from said second rail in a direction away from said first rail.

14. The firearm of claim 13, wherein said first rail lower front wing extends substantially perpendicularly from said first side rail and wherein said second rail lower front wing extends substantially perpendicularly from said second side rail.

15. The firearm of claim 12, wherein said first wing gap has a length and a width and wherein the length of said first wing gap is greater than the width of the first wing gap.

16. The firearm of claim 12, wherein said second wing gap has a length and a width and wherein the length of said second wing gap is greater than the width of the second wing gap.

17. The firearm of claim 12, wherein said first side rail includes a first rail upper front wing, and wherein said first rail upper front wing rests on a top edge of said first frame sidewall when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity; and wherein said second side rail includes a second rail upper front wing, and wherein said second rail upper front wing rests on a top edge of said second frame sidewall when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

18. The firearm of claim 12, wherein said frame includes a forward frame ledge; wherein said trigger housing includes a front housing brace, wherein said front housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail; and wherein said front housing brace is supported by said forward frame ledge when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

19. The firearm of claim 18 , wherein said frame includes an attachment peg extending from said forward frame ledge; wherein a frame mounting slot is defined through said front housing brace; and wherein said attachment peg extends through said frame mounting slot when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

20. The firearm of claim 18, wherein said frame includes a rear frame ledge; wherein said trigger housing includes a rear housing brace, wherein said rear housing brace is connected between said first side rail and said second side rail; and wherein said rear housing brace is supported by said rear frame ledge when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

21. The firearm of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of said rear frame wall is in contact with and supported by said first rear tab and by said second rear tab when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

22. A firearm comprising: a frame comprising: a first frame sidewall; a second frame sidewall opposing said first frame sidewall; a rear frame wall extending between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall; and a frame cavity defined between said first frame sidewall and said second frame sidewall said frame; a trigger housing removably insertable within said frame cavity, wherein said trigger housing comprises: a first side rail, wherein a first slide stop lever pin opening is defined through said first side rail;a second side rail opposing said first side rail, wherein a second slide stop lever pin opening is defined through said second side rail, and wherein said second slide stop lever pin opening is aligned with said first slide stop lever pin opening; a slide stop lever pin including a lever pin body, a first lever pin shoulder extending from one side of said lever pin body and a second lever pin shoulder extending from an opposite side of said lever pin body; wherein said first lever pin shoulder is in contact with said first frame sidewall when said slide stop lever pin is inserted through said first and second slide stop lever pin openings and when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity; and wherein said second lever pin shoulder is in contact with said second frame sidewall when said slide stop lever pin is inserted through said first and second slide stop lever pin openings and when said trigger housing is positioned within said frame cavity.

23. The firearm of claim 22, wherein said lever pin body is in contact with said first side rail and with said second side rail when said slide stop lever pin is inserted through said first and second slide stop lever pin openings of said trigger housing.

Images